Three new 4-H SPIN Clubs are opening doors for Oceana County youth to try something new, build real-world skills, and discover strengths they may not even know they have. These short-term clubs are designed for busy families and youth who want to jump in, learn by doing, and be part of something positive, without a long-term commitment or prior 4-H experience.
SPIN Clubs, short for Special Interest Clubs, bring youth together around a shared passion for a set number of sessions. In just a few weeks, young people connect with 4-H, build friendships, and gain confidence through hands-on learning. Youth who join a SPIN Club are full 4-H members and experience the same emphasis on leadership, life skills, and belonging that 4-H is known for.
The 4-H Riding Into Success SPIN Club at Paradise Ranch has already sparked excitement among local youth, most of whom began with little to no horse experience. With the guidance of Paradise Ranch staff and 4-H, participants quickly progressed from beginners to independently grooming, tacking, and riding their assigned horse. Youth learned feeding, daily care, safety precautions, and basic health practices, while developing riding skills in the arena before heading out on a group trail ride. Our January members even experienced real-life horse ownership conditions with Michigan weather in full effect. The first few meetings brought unexpected 40-degree days, along with plenty of mud, giving youth hands-on experience working safely in less-than-perfect barn conditions. By the time their trail ride arrived, single-digit temperatures reminded everyone what January truly feels like in Michigan. They worked in teams or pairs as they built new skills, friendships, and confidence, then experienced the pride of having their own horse during riding time. For many, it was their first time leading, saddling, and riding a horse on their own. A new session of Riding Into Success is now open for April enrollment.
The 4-H First Responders SPIN Club, hosted by the Walkerville Area Fire Department, gave high school–aged youth the opportunity to step into the boots of those who protect and serve our community. Designed to introduce teens to careers in public safety, this hands-on program went far beyond a typical after-school activity. Participants earned CPR and first aid certifications and trained directly with firefighting equipment under the guidance of local firefighters. They practiced emergency response procedures, worked through team-based drills, and learned what it truly takes to respond when others need help most.
For many teens, this experience offered a new perspective on what it means to serve a community. Rather than simply observing, they were actively learning how to respond, lead, and work as a team in high-pressure situations. The skills they gained could one day save a life in our community. Providing dinner on club nights helped ensure students could fully participate and removed barriers for families. Oceana County 4-H welcomes conversations with other fire departments interested in bringing this powerful youth leadership opportunity to their communities.
Also launching this spring is the Growing Across Generations 4-H Gardening SPIN Club at the Oceana Council on Aging Community Garden. Youth will plant seeds, care for transplants, learn about pollination and plant health, and experience the reward of harvesting what they grow. Along the way, they will be putting in community service hours and building connections with older adults in a shared space rooted in learning and service. The club runs from late March through June with six meetings in total. Club time will be from 4-5 p.m., and transportation may be available from area schools through the Oceana Council on Aging.
These SPIN Clubs are possible because of strong community partnerships and generous support. Funding has been provided by The Gerber Foundation, MSU Extension, and the Michigan 4-H Foundation. Host sites, including Paradise Ranch, the Walkerville Area Fire Department, and the Oceana County Council on Aging, have stepped forward to invest in local youth, and dedicated volunteers continue to give their time and expertise to make these programs meaningful.
Oceana County 4-H is creating opportunities where young people feel capable, valued, and connected. Youth do not need prior experience or previous 4-H involvement to join. Families and potential volunteers are encouraged to reach out and discover how 4-H SPIN Clubs are helping build stronger youth and a stronger community.
